Barney Curley

The gambler, racehorse trainer and philanthropist Barney Curley has died at the age of 81. He was known as one of racing’s most colourful characters, and for good reason

Born in Country Fermanagh in Ireland, Curley suffered from severe tuberculosis during the early part of his life and was lucky to recover. Perhaps it was the close encounter with his own mortality that brought about a change in the young man. He promptly turned his back on a career as a Jesuit priest and missionary to pursue a life spent course-side.

And live it he did.

He based himself in Newmarket where he took to both owning and training racehorses. His first victory came at Naas in 1984 with I'm Incommunicado, who was ridden by Willie Mullins. Magic Combination later brought him success in the 2000 Imperial Cup. His last runners were saddled in 2012 before he retired from training.

He also directed a number of very respectable horses from Ireland to the Dickinson family in Yorkshire. These included I'm A Driver and Gold Cup winner Silver Buck.

Frankie Dettori, Jamie Spencer, Tom Queally, Tommy Carmody and Declan Murphy established themselves and their talent under Curley’s guidance.

Of course, Curley will always be remembered as the mastermind behind the Yellow Sam coup in 1975.

You can read ‘Benny O’Hanlon & Barney Curley’ from the Old Gold Racing archives for the full run-down.

In 1995, tragedy once again led Curley to a shift of focus. After his son Charlie died in a car accident at only 18 years old, Curley dedicated himself to supporting the disadvantaged in Zambia. He would spend long periods investing in healthcare and education, and leaves a wonderful legacy through his charity Direct Aid for Africa (Dafa) which he founded in 1996.

Tributes have streamed in since the sad loss of Barney Curley on Sunday. The impact he had on so many in racing and far beyond will not be forgotten any time soon.

Tom Queally:
'I'd ridden a lot of winners for him, but not a decent one, although I don't regret that one bit as the memories and experiences I have of him, I could have cabinets of trophies that wouldn't replace those.'

Frankie Dettori:
'He was a very colourful person and a mentor to me – in life and in racing. I travelled the country with him and had some great times. He guided me to the good path in life and in my racing career. It's so sad, but I've tried to put on a brave face as he would have expected.'

Jamie Spencer:
'He didn't suffer fools gladly, but had a heart the size of the universe and wanted the best for you, and he did a lot for a lot of people – and probably did a lot more that will never become public knowledge.'

Sir Mark Prescott:
'He had an unusual and inventive mind, and that presented all sorts of contradictions. He originally wanted to become a monk as he loved the ritual of the church, but despised the authority of it. He loved racing, but also loved cocking a snook at the authorities.'

John Butler:
'He was good to people and had a close group of friends – I've never heard anyone say anything bad about him. He was one of a kind. There will never be another Barney Curley, not in a million years.'